Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the entire world. Many people have a cup, or two, or even three a day. It's common to drink it in the morning to wake up and get ready for the day, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or just to catch up with a coworker or friend.

These days, there are many diffferent kinds of coffee flavors to enjoy, so it's almost impossible for a person not to like it. But as delicious as coffee can be, it's worthwhile to be aware of the effects it can have on our dental health.

Coffee contains a lot ot tannic acid, which is what causes its dark color. Tannic acid ingrains itself into the grooves of tooth enamel, and that can lead to serious stains. In addition to containing tannic acid, the fact that coffee is generally served hot makes your teeth expand and contract, which allows the stains to penetrate even farther into the enamel.

Although it's not easy to kick the caffeine habit, consider these helpful tips that can lessen the dental impact of your everyday cup of joe:

Make it a habit to drink a glass of water with your coffee to dilute the acid.

Try enjoying your coffee with a straw, lessening the contact with your teeth.

Pop in a piece of gum after your coffee to help prevent a dry mouth.

Of course, if you are feeling ambitious, you might find that setting a limit on the number of cups of coffee that you have per week or even per day can also be helpful. If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!